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Leica CL Mirrorless Camera (Silver Anodized)

BH #LECLSAF • MFR #19300
40 reviews
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Leica CL Mirrorless Camera (Silver Anodized)
Key Features
  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • Maestro II Image Processor
  • 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD, Top LCD
Designed within a minimalist-yet-functional school of thought, the silver anodized Leica CL is a compact, sleek mirrorless digital camera offering intuitive control and a versatile range of imaging capabilities. Revolving around a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor combination, the CL is capable of producing high-resolution stills at up to 10 fps and UHD 4K/30p video, along with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-50000 for working a variety of lighting conditions. An electronic shutter function permits totally silent operation along with shutter speeds up to 1/25000 sec, and a 49-point contrast-detection autofocus system affords quick and accurate performance.
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Leica CL Overview

Designed within a minimalist-yet-functional school of thought, the silver anodized Leica CL is a compact, sleek mirrorless digital camera offering intuitive control and a versatile range of imaging capabilities. Revolving around a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor combination, the CL is capable of producing high-resolution stills at up to 10 fps and UHD 4K/30p video, along with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-50000 for working a variety of lighting conditions. An electronic shutter function permits totally silent operation along with shutter speeds up to 1/25000 sec, and a 49-point contrast-detection autofocus system affords quick and accurate performance.

The characteristic svelte profile incorporates a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder for bright and clear eye-level viewing and a rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD enables the use of touch and gesture controls for familiar operation. Additionally, the top plate features its own LCD for quick settings review and two dials and customizable buttons are featured for more direct adjustment of oft-used settings. Additionally, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity also enables wireless sharing and remote camera control from a linked mobile device.

24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor & Leica Maestro II Processor
At the heart of the camera system is a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which is paired with Leica's Maestro II processor to produce high-resolution, clear stills with native sensitivities ranging from ISO 100-50000 along with a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps for up to 33 DNG+JPEGs or 140 JPEGs. A mechanical shutter affords precise speeds up to 1/8000 sec, and flash sync to 1/180 sec, while a silent electronic shutter can be used to reach a top speed of 1/25000 sec.

The sensor and processor also enable UHD 4K video recording at 30 fps for ultra-high resolution playback, along with support for Full HD at 60 fps and HD at 30 fps. Focus peaking is available as well to help ensure your videos are in focus.
49-Point Contrast-Detection AF System
Ensuring you are capturing tack-sharp photos at all times is an upgraded contrast-detect AF system with 49 selectable points available. The focusing system offers fast and accurate performance in a variety of lighting and shooting conditions.
Body Design
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder has a 2.36m-dot resolution and 0.74x magnification for bright, clear eye-level viewing. A manual +/-4m diopter is also available to suit different visions strengths.
  • Rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot LCD has a touchscreen design and supports familiar gesture controls for seamless, intuitive navigation while shooting or reviewing imagery.
  • Top status LCD is used to quickly monitor shooting settings.
  • Top and bottom covers are constructed from milled and anodized aluminum alloy while the front and rear body shells are magnesium alloy for an overall construction that is rigid yet lightweight.
  • Two dials with center buttons are featured on the top plate for easy settings adjustment and four-way rear directional pad can be used for intuitive selecting of focus points.
Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
Integrated IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi allows you to wirelessly connect iOS and Android devices to the CL for sharing photos and movies to smartphones or tablets for posting online. The free Leica App facilitates sharing imagery between the camera and device, and the app also enables a remote function for wirelessly adjusting the camera's shutter speed, aperture, and for releasing the shutter. The app can also be used as a remote electronic viewfinder to benefit composing self-portraits or group shots, or when working from difficult shooting angles.
Leica L-Bayonet Mount
Leica's mirrorless L-bayonet mount offers users the ability to connect both full-frame SL-series and APS-C TL-series glass, which benefits from electronic communication for blazing fast autofocus, electronic aperture control, and optical image stabilization. Additionally, as with most mirrorless today, the L mount can accept a variety of adapters, such as the M-Adapter L which provides shooters with access to the entire M-mount lens library. Leica will have adapters for the S, R, and Cine series as well, ensuring compatibility with a range of Leica's best lenses.

Leica CLSpecs

Key Specs
Lens Mount
Leica L
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 24.96 Megapixel
Effective: 24.24 Megapixel (6016 x 4014)
Continuous Shooting
Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 33 Frames (Raw) / 140 Frames (JPEG)
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Wireless
Wi-Fi
Display Type
Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Battery Type
1x BP-DC12 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1200 mAh
Imaging
Lens Mount
Leica L
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 24.96 Megapixel
Effective: 24.24 Megapixel (6016 x 4014)
Sensor Type
23.6 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Crop Factor
1.5x
Image Stabilization
No
Built-In ND Filter
No
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter 
Shutter Speed
Mechanical Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Electronic Shutter
1/25000 to 1/8000 Second
ISO Sensitivity Range
100 to 50,000 in Auto Mode
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance
Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Halogen, Shade
Continuous Shooting
Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 33 Frames (Raw) / 140 Frames (JPEG)
Self-Timer
2/12-Second Delay
Still Image Capture
Image Sizes
3:2 DNG
6016 x 4014
3:2 JPEG
6000 x 4000
4272 x 2856
3024 x 2016
Aspect Ratio
3:2
Image File Format
DNG, JPEG
Internal Video Capture
Recording Modes
MP4
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 29.97p/59.94p
HD (1280 x 720) at 29.97p
Recording Limit
Up to 29 Minutes
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
External Video Capture
IP Streaming
No
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Audio I/O
No
Wireless
Wi-Fi
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
No
Monitor
Display Size
3.0"
Resolution
1,040,000 Dot
Display Type
Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic
Resolution
2,360,000 Dot
Eye Point
20 mm
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 0.74x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +4
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points
Contrast Detection: 49
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Maximum Sync Speed
1/180 Second
Flash Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash System
TTL
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
General
Battery Type
1x BP-DC12 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1200 mAh
Tripod Mounting Thread
1x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)
Accessory Mounting Thread
1x
Material of Construction
Magnesium Alloy, Aluminum
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.2 x 3.1 x 1.8" / 131 x 78 x 45 mm
Weight
14.21 oz / 403 g (Body with Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.94 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.2 x 9 x 6.9"

Leica CL Reviews

My perfect camera

By Lillian
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-13

It's packed very well, I love the camera!

Best Camera.

By Duk
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-04

It is a very beautiful camera. I will shoot my sensibility with this.

Bad package

By Minwoo
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-18

Dust on the sensor! Is it new?

My Dream Come True

By Edward
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-09

I have always wanted a Leica since I was selling cameras and studying photography in my 20's. I finally took the plunge and purchased a Leica CL. I couldn't be more delighted with the results. The camera is easy to understand and the menu system makes personalizing the camera to your needs easy. Best of all, the things that make a Leica a Leica (image quality, resolution and contrast) are there in abundance. There is nothing quite like a Leica!

It's my go-to 'li'l camera' - I love it.

By Philip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-26

It's essentially replaced my Sony RX1R2 and most other smaller cameras. Even though it's only pushing 24mpx, it's got great colour depth. I'm really enjoying it this autumn.

Great combo

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-23

This is my third Leica moving up the line. Its easy to use esp if you are familiar with Leica cameras. The pictures are perfectly sharp with accurate color. The lens works well in outdoor lighting and is great for close up and Landscape photography. I will add a prime lens to cover my needs. I am very pleased with my purchase.

Old Times Updated

By Linda
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-09

The digital Leica CL reminds me of my film CL. A very good memory. I took it (with 40mm f2 and 90mm 2.8) on a trip to France and it really delivered the goods. Now, I am searching for a light weight normal lens for my digital update. From testing with the 18 - 56, I can report that the new CL is going to be my companion for everything except ultra long lenses. Highly recommended!!!

Nice camera

By Jeyananthan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-06-14

Small and solid camera. Great picture quality. I love it

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Does the 18-56 lens come with a hood? Does the ...

Does the 18-56 lens come with a hood? Does the package include a strap?
Asked by: Michael
Yes to both. The 18-56mm lens includes a lens hood and the camera comes with a carrying strap.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2022-01-03

Hi I would like to know if my Nikon lenses would ...

Hi I would like to know if my Nikon lenses would work I have 1.8 and 2.8 and which adapter I would need
Asked by: John
An adapter such as the Novoflex Nikon F Lens to Leica SL/T Camera Body Lens Adapter, BH #NOANGLLT would allow NIkon F mount lenses with a Leica L mount body like the CL. https://bhpho.to/3qczPHN
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2020-11-30

Is there a non-ttl auto flash that is compatible ...

Is there a non-ttl auto flash that is compatible with the CL?
Asked by: Ira
Correction: I meant to write "Nikon SB-910 (in A mode using its external thyristor sensor)"
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2022-04-24

How well does the rear lcd screen work for ...

How well does the rear lcd screen work for composition, focus, and if you change the exposure settings does it change on the rear lcd? I need a walkaround camera that has that ability.
Asked by: Ryan
I prefer the viewfinder as the lcd screen becomes difficult to see in bright light. Also, I'm used to a rangefinder type system anyway. Yes, i believe the lcd does give you exposure changes to preview.
Answered by: Subhash
Date published: 2020-03-09

question

Will this product benefit with new the U3 technology in SD memory cards?
Asked by: Robert F.
Yes, it most definitely will. Using a U3 class card or higher is beneficial in any new camera.
Answered by: Jacob C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Is there a hood included for the 18mm f/2.8 lens? ...

Is there a hood included for the 18mm f/2.8 lens? And if not, is there one recommended as an add-on?
Asked by: Alison
The short Helioplan 8mm hood (BH #HELHMS39) helps to keep one's finger off the lens, as well as providing shock protection. The original Leica lens cap still fits the 39mm front of the hood.
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2022-04-23

What Leica lenses work on this camera?

What Leica lenses work on this camera?
Asked by: Daniel
If you use the adapter and the M lens, will the AF still work?
Answered by: Dieter
Date published: 2022-02-14

I noticed a menu option shows "image ...

I noticed a menu option shows "image stabilization". Does that mean IS will be enabled when a lens has optical IS and/or IBIS will be available via a firmware upgrade?
Asked by: Ira
Yes, the menu choice of "Image Stabilization" means that when one attaches a lens to the Leica CL with OIS, this menu option will facilitate keeping the stabilizer working or shutting it off.
Answered by: Lenny
Date published: 2020-09-09
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